Amsoil Signature Series - No API certification?

[The Critic]

I noticed that Amsoil only obtained API licensing for their OE and XL products. Their flagship Signature Series oil was not licensed. From what I have seen in the UOA/VOA section, the updated Signature Series formulation should be eligible for licensing. Does anyone know why Amsoil elected to skip one of the most fundamental licenses for their flagship product?

 

[JustN89]

 

[OVERKILL]

The additive levels are I think still too high in the SS products.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
The additive levels are I think still too high in the SS products.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4555019/Amsoil_SS_0w20_new_formulation

I am not seeing anything in this VOA which would stand out.

 

[buster]

The SA level is likely too high.

 

[PimTac]

I believe this has been hashed over many times here.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: buster
The SA level is likely too high.


Yup, likely. Interesting to see how much lower Zinc and Phos are compared to older formulas eh?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: PimTac
I believe this has been hashed over many times here.


True, but not since the recent reformulation.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: buster
The SA level is likely too high.


Yup, likely. Interesting to see how much lower Zinc and Phos are compared to older formulas eh?


Good point. Does anyone know what the SA limit is? From that VOA, I would be very surprised if the SA is more than 1% since Amsoil has switched to a low calcium formulation.

 

[addyguy]

The really high Moly and Boron count probably push it over the 1% threshold.

 

[buster]

Why doesn’t AMSOIL license all of its synthetic motor oils?
Answer: If all AMSOIL motor oils were API licensed, the company could not source new raw materials from multiple suppliers, which would greatly increase the threat of supply disruption and the likelihood of extraordinarily high prices. To solve this problem, the API must establish base stock interchange guidelines for synthetic base stocks just as they have for other base stocks, as well as develop interchange guidelines for other components too. Furthermore, licensing formulas limits the ability to quickly adopt new technologies as they are discovered; each variation from the originally licensed formula requires re-submission for complete engine testing (see the Ask AMSOIL entry above for more information).

 

[parshisa]

When I had this VOA done I called Amsoil tech support and asked for SA value. They said 1.2% for all SS oils.

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: parshisa
When I had this VOA done I called Amsoil tech support and asked for SA value. They said 1.2% for all SS oils.


Thanks, that's what I figured. They've also stated they can't officialy meet dexos due to the higher SA levels as well.

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: buster
Why doesn’t AMSOIL license all of its synthetic motor oils?
Answer: If all AMSOIL motor oils were API licensed, the company could not source new raw materials from multiple suppliers, which would greatly increase the threat of supply disruption and the likelihood of extraordinarily high prices. To solve this problem, the API must establish base stock interchange guidelines for synthetic base stocks just as they have for other base stocks, as well as develop interchange guidelines for other components too. Furthermore, licensing formulas limits the ability to quickly adopt new technologies as they are discovered; each variation from the originally licensed formula requires re-submission for complete engine testing (see the Ask AMSOIL entry above for more information).


Funny, because when I put that as a possibility a few years ago that they couldn't change base-stocks readily, and wanted to be able to procure/negotiate with multiple suppliers, I had myself a new fundamental orifice torn by the face of AMSOIL for my ridiculous bashing.

The statement was made that if they had to licence them, they couldn't make them as good as they make them...and have to pay the API.


But it's clearly Appendix E that they are dodging.


BTW
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3544284/Re:_API_Base_oil_interchange_g

Here's Appendix E...

Link to API doc

It's got the tests that are required for a swap.

 

[parshisa]

Pulled a sample of the oil (my Civic in signature) and will dropping it off at Polaris this morning. Oil currently has 4550mi on it and I'm curious to see how different/same the wear numbers are compared to 0w20 fill with the same amount of miles on it I had previously. Hopefully will have the results by tomorrow.